A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER

I stare towards the horizon, at this post where I must stand,
And guard those who believe in freedom for this land.
No snow, no cheer, this holiday, will be mine to behold.
All I have is desert heat; the nights are bitter cold.
I stand this post; this is my charge, to protect those that are here.
I watch friends die and sacrifice. I do not shed a tear.
I guard against fear and hate. I strike down those opposed.
I will not yield one inch of ground to this barbaric foe.
My home, my home, so far removed I am from that fond place.
I stand this ground this Christmas eve and pray for God’s good grace.
Should I fall defending here, remember not my death,
For I will fight my enemies with my last dying breath.
I want to live and return home, standing proud and tall,
But I know that I belong here, even if tonight I fall.
I fight for freedom not for me, but for this foreign land,
All hell rains down as bullets fly and free blood stains the sand.
For those of you who do not agree with what I do tonight,
It is alright, I do not mind, for I have fought and won that right.
All I ask is that you look round as you celebrate the season
And realize all you have. For that, I am the reason.
You may think this is not our fight, but fight here we must.
Our noble goal of freedom is good and right and just.
For if we fail and loose this fight; then all is surely lost,
And you can not imagine then what will be the cost.
I stand this post and face them here and pray for Christmas Day,
So that you don’t have to fight them on some future day.
God give me strength and steady aim, protect me through this night.
And if you call me home this day, surround me with your light.
Ease my family’s suffering; make them proud of what I’ve done.
I pray this night for Your good will,
You’re faithful Soldier Son.

Amen.